California Right-of-Way Laws & Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can be devastating. An experienced attorney can help you obtain the results you deserve.

Walking, jogging, and running can be great forms of exercise. For the most part, walking is statistically safer than being in a vehicle and is also far less stressful. Unfortunately, pedestrians are not immune from danger when sharing the street with moving vehicles and this is particularly true in the State of California.

The weather in California can be perfect for year-round outdoor adventures. Sadly, pedestrian accidents in the state are a rising concern. For the past decade, pedestrian accident rates have been escalating and for every accident that happens, a person is either seriously injured or killed. After a pedestrian accident, monetary compensation can be obtained from the at-fault driver.

Receive Fair Compensation After Your Pedestrian Accident

In California, right-of-way laws were designed to protect pedestrians on the road. When a negligent driver has violated these laws and caused an accident that led to your injuries, an experienced accident attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

The Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King is exceptionally experienced and skilled in the field of pedestrian accidents. Despite California’s right-of-way laws, many drivers continue to drive irresponsibly and recklessly across the state. Sadly, this has led to an increasing number of pedestrian accidents. After you or a loved one was injured while out for a walk, jog, or run, contacting a proficient attorney can help you receive the financial compensation you deserve. The Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King has the skills and resources needed to help you obtain the highest compensation available. Consider contacting the firm today for a free case evaluation.

California’s Right-of-Way Laws for Pedestrians

The State of California’s right-of-way laws indicates how drivers are allowed to continue and yield to others they share the road with. Right-of-way laws promote safety across all roads and they help maintain smooth flowing traffic. Even when vehicles have the right of way, drivers have to remain vigilant and cautious in order to avoid injuring another person. A few of the state’s most important right-of-way laws include:

Pedestrians

Pedestrians are those who are on foot or are using a conveyance, like a wheelchair, skateboard, or skates. This, however, does not include bicyclists. Under the California Vehicle Code §29150, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians using the crosswalk or within intersections even if these intersections are unmarked. Motorists have to obey these traffic rules, including: Be patient with those crossing who are blind, disabled, or elderly. Allow sufficient time for pedestrians to finish crossing safely. Yield for pedestrians who are jaywalking or crossing the street in an unmarked section of the road. Stop for pedestrians who are within or entering a crosswalk.

Crosswalks

Drivers will also need to follow additional right-of-way rules when they are approaching crosswalks, including:

Stopping the vehicle at a safe distance to ensure pedestrians can cross safely
Not stopping their vehicle within a crosswalk because this can block a person’s legal path to cross
Not pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Unfortunately, thousands of pedestrians are seriously injured each year as a result of negligent drivers. Even more unfortunate, many innocent pedestrians are killed as a result of careless drivers. Many of these accidents will often leave relatives and friends of the injured victims emotionally distressed and traumatized. Those dependent on the victims for financial support can also be drastically affected as a result of the mounting medical expenses and loss of wages.

The following are just a few of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in the state:

Driver Distractions

Drivers have a legal obligation to pay attention to the road and remain vigilant of those they share the road with, including pedestrians. Today, there is an abundance of distractions drivers can face when on the road, such as: Sending texts, Grooming or eating, Making phone calls, Looking up an address, and Talking with other passengers in the vehicle.

Driving While Under the Influence

A major cause of pedestrian accidents across the nation is drivers who operate their vehicles while under the influence. Legally, drivers cannot operate their vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration above 0.08% in the State of California. When a driver operates the vehicle while intoxicated, this can lead to: Speeding, Road rage, Drowsy driving, and A lack of perception.

Injuries Commonly Sustained by Pedestrian Accident Victims

A pedestrian accident has the capacity to leave a victim with serious injuries, even if the accident happened while the vehicle was traveling at low speeds. Most motor vehicles have been engineered with a number of safety measures, like top-quality airbags, seat belts, and collision avoidance systems. Each one of these safety measures will work in unison to ensure the passengers’ safety in the event of an accident.

Unlike motor vehicles, pedestrians do not have the same protections when on the road. Therefore, when a collision happens, the results can be catastrophic for the pedestrian. A few of the most devastating injuries a pedestrian can sustain in a collision with a moving vehicle include: Nerve damage, Torn ligaments, Internal bleeding, Brain injuries, Broken or fractured bones, Spinal cord injuries, and Severe cuts or lacerations.

The aforementioned injuries could all result in the death of the pedestrian. The severity of the injury can depend on multiple factors, including the angle of the collision and the vehicle’s speed. When a person dies as a result of the injuries sustained in a negligent pedestrian accident, the victim’s survivors can obtain financial compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Results Matter – Talk to an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

Pedestrian accidents are serious and it is critical to have an experienced attorney handle the case. These cases can lead to a lifetime of personal difficulties, including long-term disability, pain and discomfort, emotional distress, financial hardship, and a loss of employment. If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident, talking to an attorney who can advocate on your behalf is the best thing you can do to ensure you receive the compensation you truly deserve.

For more than a decade, the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King has championed on behalf of those who have been severely injured because of another’s negligent actions, and this includes injured pedestrians. To learn more about how the firm can advocate on your behalf after an accident, consider calling (909) 297-5001 or complete the contact form here.

Categories : Pedestrian Accidents

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By Justin H. King, Esq. | Posted on August 8, 2021

17:05 25 Oct 24

Thank you so much to Oliver King and Garrett Tuckerman for helping me with my case. They've been outstanding. Although the process was overwhelming, I felt reassured, supported, and listened to. I highly recommend the Law offices of Justin King to anyone who needs help.

Savana Martinez

18:30 04 Sep 24

The team at Law Office of Justin King went above and beyond with my case.It was my first big automobile accident while being 6 months pregnant and I was terrified. I called them the same day and they took on my case immediately.Throughout the whole process they were communicative and on top of everything. I would recommend to everyone and would go back to them again if need be.Thank you to this amazingly firm !

Hate Nine

06:01 04 Sep 24

Wow! I can't say enough good things about the Law Offices of Justin King. Attitude starts at the top, & this firm is top tier. They represented me (& yes we won!) for an injury I sustained while riding my motorcycle westbound on the 10. Someone changed lanes without looking, which resulted in a knee injury, a lot of physical therapy, & a totaled motorcycle. I wasn't sure what to do or if this were even something worth pursuing. I found Justin's webpage & sent a quick message to him on a Saturday night then thought nothing of it. My first call from Justin was Sunday morning. I was immediately impressed. After hearing a bit of my story & asking a few questions I was ready to have Justin represent me. My first question was "How much do I need to come up with to get this started? Justin replied, you don't owe anything until we win. Not unless, until. That set the tone of the next 2 years of my life. As your case progresses it'll require work from you & a whole team working to represent you. Staci will call & let you know she's emailing documents that require signatures; Garrett will call to ask for details they need to understand & yes, he will call to remind you that you forgot to sign a document 3 days earlier. These are great people who genuinely care. They will take time to understand your needs & they communicate every step of the way. If you are injured, you need to call Justin & his team right away. You will not be disappointed!Google only allows 5 stars, but these guys deserve 10!

Vivian Garcia

01:00 15 Aug 24

I was involved in my first big automobile accident last year, in Yorba Linda. I was a bit overwhelmed as you can imagine. Friends suggested that I hire an attorney to handle my case and I was not quite sure how to proceed. I was very fortunate when I was referred to Justin King’s office.I met with Mr. King and found him to be very personable and he listened to my concerns. I felt very comfortable and confident that he would help me in getting a fair outcome to my case.I want to also thank Garrett Tuckerman for all he did in keeping me updated with everything going on with my case and for being there whenever I had any questions or concerns. I also want to mention Leoni Barrera who was always pleasant and supportive when I called.I highly recommend The Law Offices of Justin H. King for your personal injury needs. I feel that Mr. King and his whole staff, with their knowledge, expertise and professionalism will help make your experience a less stressful one.

Lisa Perchez

21:53 29 Jul 24

Last July I was struck by a falling case of liquor at Total Wine in Rancho Cucamonga which led to a slip and fall. My friends and family urged me to contact a lawyer after discovering I needed surgery to repair my broken wrist. A friend found Justin King on Google. Justin was compassionate, accessible, and took charge from the very first meeting. He was able to obtain the surveillance video capturing the entire incident, and made an appointment for me to see a prominent neurologist after the video showed the case struck the front of my head. The entire staff at The Law Offices of Justin H. King were very easy to work with, and I always felt like my case was getting personal attention. Thank you Garrett, Staci, and Leoni! My case went to mediation and settled for more than 3x what they originally offered. If you have been injured in an accident, I highly recommend The Law Offices of Justin H. King.

Leslie S.

18:26 13 Jul 24

I want to thank Justin and his amazing office. They made a very traumatic/ nightmare of a situation into a more bearable situation every step of the way. They kept us updated and we were reassured that we were in good hands. I want to also express my gratitude to Garrett for being so empathic and supportive through the ups and downs that comes with a case. We are so blessed to have had them handle our case. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a professional and dependable office. Thank you again Justin King Office!!!

Melinda Jordan

09:02 18 Dec 22

I went from feeling like a basket case from all the stress to feeling calm and collected after talking to Justin. He is a phenomenal personal injury lawyer and is a truly calming and reassuring presence. This firm helped me in ways I can't even adequately put into words, other than to say Thank You, Justin, to you and your awesome team.

Marjorie Harris

04:14 18 Dec 22

After an auto accident, I felt really nervous calling an attorney because I had never worked with one before. But from the first conversation I had with Jessica, I felt so at ease. Justin then called me and was so easy going and we had a nice conversation too. The entire staff took great care of me and I am very happy.

Sheila Hughes

03:45 18 Dec 22

I was in a car accident that was not my fault two years ago. A friend of mine had a family member who had been helped in the past by Justin King, and they suggested I call him. I'm so glad I did! Justin and his team took great care of my situation and got a great settlement for me. I highly recommend them if you have been in an accident. You will be very happy with what this firm. They are smart, hard-working, honest, and take great care of their clients.

Margaret James

04:43 01 Dec 22

Justin's entire staff is the best car accident lawyer team in Rancho Cucamonga. Justin, Oliver, Jessica, and Garrett all provided me with excellent service and treated me like family. They are all such great people, and always so honest and responsive to me. I gladly recommend them to anyone needing the services of a car accident lawyer in the Inland Empire.

Wm Holland

06:13 17 Nov 22

When I needed a lawyer following a car accident on the Interstate 15 Freeway in Rancho Cucamonga, Justin King, and his team were there for me. I appreciated how his entire staff always seemed happy to answer my questions and were so good about returning all my phone calls and emails. I could tell this firm has immense experience in helping people get their life back after an unfortunate car crash. I was so happy with the outcome of my case and the results Justin obtained from the insurance company on my behalf. I have recommended their office to all my family members and neighbors. I hope you never need to call them. But if you need the best car accident lawyers, I can vouch that they are excellent.